Works of Mercy

(one of the saddest examples of human caused grief lately has been the troubles in Darfur - often ignored by the press, but a true crisis in need of prayer, work, and mercy)

The Crisis in Darfur

It's been three years since rebel groups in Darfur, Sudan's western province, rose up to demand more autonomy and a greater share of the country's resources. The brutal conflict that followed killed hundreds of thousands of people, leaving millions homeless and dependent on humanitarian assistance. Though the world's attention has largely drifted away, the situation on the ground is not resolved.

The Root of the Conflict
The crisis started in February 2003, when two rebel groups rose up against the government of Sudan, claiming they were treated unjustly over land and resources. The Sudanese government allegedly responded by arming local militias, and supporting an effort to attack communities linked to the rebels. The results were brutal — villages were torched, women were raped and millions of people still live in camps set up for the displaced.

Current situation
Three years after the conflict began, thousands of people continue to die each month from malnutrition, disease and insecurity. In addition, local militias called Janjaweed — or armed men on horseback — recently resumed assaults, and even African Union troops patrolling the area to monitor a formal ceasefire have been attacked and killed. Insecurity throughout the huge region, roughly the size of Texas, has forced some humanitarian operations to be curtailed. Though CRS continues to provide services in West Darfur, including food, shelter, education, clean water and agricultural support, dangerous conditions have limited access.

Insecurity
Insecurity is still the major problem facing people in Darfur. Internally displaced persons repeatedly described women being beaten or raped when venturing outside camps to search for basic living essentials, such as water and wood. Survivors have told consistent stories of terror, rape and brutal attacks that forced them to flee. According to witnesses, a typical pattern is that a government-backed militia stormed into their villages on horseback, surrounded them, killed men and raped women, and burned, pillaged and destroyed what remained of their communities. The increase in banditry on the roads throughout West Darfur has greatly hindered nongovernmental organizations' access to the most vulnerable.

The aiding of each other's rebel groups between the governments of Sudan and Chad has increased insecurity for many people in Darfur. Many cross the border to reach refugee camps in Chad. Many in Darfur suffer from attacks by both Chadian and Sudanese rebel groups. REcent splits within the Sudanese rebel groups and disagreements over the Darfur Peace Agreement signed earlier this year have heightened security concerns and created more conflict in the region. The African Union's mandate has been extended through December 2006, but needs much more support to be able to adequately protect civilians.

Regional Impact
The situation in Darfur is connected to the larger conflict that ravaged southern Sudan for 45 years. A peace accord ended fighting in that area in early 2005, and there is some hope that this will help spread stability. Sudan's relationship with its neighbors — including Uganda, Ethiopia and Chad — the handling of its oil wealth, and its systemic violations of human rights make it a focal point in Africa right now.

Humanitarian Concerns
Humanitarian groups have struggled to meet the needs in Darfur, partly because of the sheer size and scope of the crisis. Thousands of people remained out of reach because of ongoing insecurity, poor infrastructure and rugged terrain, and aid workers are often being targeted by bandits or armed groups involved in the conflict. As of October 2006, twelve humanitarian workers have been killed in conflict-related incidents.

In the past, people feared being attacked if they left the confines of the camps to gather fire wood or search out more food. But attacks on the camps themselves have become more common, leaving little escape for those who were already displaced from their homes.

The American Council for Voluntary International Action has a good information page about Darfur and the agencies that are trying to help: http://www.interaction.org/media/HOP/Hot_Darfur.html

Labels: Darfur